What is Grow St. Bernard?

Powered by SBEDF, Grow St. Bernard offers access to education on current trends and best practices for business operations. The program targets professionals across the region and features presentations and panel discussions lead by esteemed leaders of the business community, as well as one on one business consulting from the Louisiana Small Business Development Center. Grow St. Bernard is no-cost and affords business owners and professionals the opportunity to build relationships with like-minded, motivated individuals.

REGISTER NOW FOR GROW ST. BERNARD 2023

Grow St. Bernard 2023 includes a diverse lineup of notable speakers and business leaders from the Greater New Orleans region. The series includes presentations and panels pertaining to customer engagement, branding yourself and your business, participating in the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, streamlining operations with modern tools, practicing equity and inclusion, and best practices for keeping mental health and motivation strong in the office. Program participants benefit from hearing from community experts, networking with other entrepreneurs, and building partnerships within the cohort.

Registration for Grow St. Bernard is free , including individual access to all six sessions and the option to receive one-on-one business mentoring provided by the Louisiana Small Business Development Center. All sessions begin with coffee, networking, and a light breakfast.

2023 Session Details

Session One: August 15, 2023
9:00-10:30 am, 100 Port Blvd, Suite 210, Chalmette, LA 70043

So you want to start a business…

Speaker: Rachel Nunez, Home Bank

In this session, the speaker will guide you through the essential "baby steps" required to start your business, with a special focus on the significance of forming an LLC. Discover the benefits of an LLC, protecting your personal assets while providing flexibility. The speaker will cover registering with the Secretary of State, obtaining occupational licenses, ensuring proper structural setup, and opening a bank account. Equipped with online resources, you'll be well-prepared to take the leap and become a legal business owner. Join us and unleash your entrepreneurial potential! 

Session Two: August 29, 2023
9:00-10:30 am, 100 Port Blvd, Suite 210, Chalmette, LA 70043

Building Your Brand One Brick At A Time

Speaker: Ben Mahoney, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana

This session is dedicated to refining your mission statement and crafting a compelling brand identity that sets you apart in the market. Additionally, we will delve into building a powerful thought leadership strategy, enabling you to establish yourself as an authority in your industry. Even if you're just starting out, we'll equip you with valuable insights on how to harness credibility and make a remarkable impact. Join us for an enlightening experience that will guide you towards establishing a strong foundation for your business and unlocking your full potential in the business world. 

Session Three: September 12, 2023
9:00-10:30 am, 100 Port Blvd, Suite 210, Chalmette, LA 70043

Networking - Conquering “Stranger Danger”

Speaker: Allison Hotard, GNO, Inc.

Join us for the third session of Grown St. Bernard where we will be delving into the art of making networking events work for you. Say goodbye to the "stranger danger" reflex that often accompanies being in a room full of unfamiliar faces, and instead, learn how to forge meaningful connections rather than just collecting contacts. Our experienced speaker will share practical strategies to help you confidently navigate any room, making the most out of every networking opportunity. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this event will equip you with valuable skills to enhance your networking prowess and take your business relationships to new heights. Don't miss out on this chance to unlock the true potential of networking and propel your small business forward! 

Session Four: September 26, 2023
9:00-10:30 am, 100 Port Blvd, Suite 210, Chalmette, LA 70043

Thank You For Liking My Posts…

Speakers: Caroline Parrone, Caroline Rosa Marketing

Discover the power of social media content in propelling your business growth in this session. We'll dive deep into the role of compelling social media content and its ability to drive sales and boost brand visibility. Explore the influence of platforms like TikTok and learn how to use it to your advantage. Gain valuable insights on sparking meaningful engagement with your audience, building a loyal customer base, and creating content that resonates with your target market. Additionally, our experts will guide you on spending wisely on the right platforms to maximize your reach and achieve impressive results for your business.  

Session Five: October 10, 2023
9:00-10:30 am, 100 Port Blvd, Suite 210, Chalmette, LA 70043

Saying “YES” to Success by Saying “NO”

Speaker: Jamie Cromer, Windows to Wisdom

In this session we will learn about setting healthy boundaries between personal and professional commitments. Discover effective processes to achieve a harmonious work/life balance that ensures you can thrive both personally and in your business endeavors. Jamie Cromer, owner and CEO of Windows to Wisdom, will share valuable insights on how to maintain community involvement and give back without succumbing to burnout. Learn practical strategies to manage your time and energy efficiently, allowing you to be fully present in both your personal life and professional pursuits.

Following this final session, we will have a graduation celebration where you will have the chance to network with individuals that were in the previous program as well as other members of the community. This is a chance to build new connections, share insights, and make long lasting professional relationships that can take your business to the next level.